2019 Shortstop Rankings: Top 30

We wrap up each week of positional coverage with our 2019 rankings. In addition to the rankings we will pose a number of questions to our panel covering topics such as reaches and targets, players to avoid and late round impact players.

Taking part in our rankings will be Jim Finch, Hunter Denson, Seth Bias and Jake Blodgett. Our four “experts” each ranked their top 30 shortstops for the 2019 season.

Players marked N/R were not ranked inside the top 30 by that particular person. We used a 10 games started minimum requirement for eligibility. If you feel we overlooked someone or would like to debate a player’s ranking, feel free to do so in the comment section below.

Jim: The position is deep enough that there is little reason to reach. I would be more than happy with Bogaerts in round 4/5 or even Segura later on. That said, if I were to reach it would be for Lindor or Machado, and maybe Baez. Their multi-eligibility would give me the flexibility to target players later instead of worrying which positions need to be filled.

Seth: If I can get Lindor, I am. If I miss out on Lindor, I’m taking the best one available in the second round – provided that “best available” option isn’t one of the players I have listed below as someone to avoid.

Jake: This play is not for the risk-adverse because the talent pool is so strong at shortstop, but I’m going to take another lap on the Carlos Correa bandwagon. He just has too much talent not to be a top fantasy player.

Which shortstop do you plan on avoiding in the draft?

Jim: I will not pay to find out if Trevor Story is for real – a decision that may come back to haunt me. Amed Rosario could steal 30 bags, but with limited power and batting average struggles ahead I don’t see him being any better than Elvis Andrus. Given the depth of the position I would avoid paying for anyone without some sort of track record or at least has a high floor.

Seth: I’m giving Story, Correa and Mondesi a miss. Story was bad in ’17, Correa was bad last year, and Mondesi has such a short track record. I like all three, just about 10 spots below where they are being drafted.

Jake: The idea of Adalberto Mondesi continuing what he did in the last month of the 2018 season is fun, but not enough to make me believe it’s definitely going to happen. A 26.5% K-rate and a 18.2% swinging-strike rate suggest that his average is going to drop, and he will probably have to go through at least one round of big adjustments as pitchers figure him out.

Who is your top MI target once your SS slot is filled?

Jim: Jonathan Schoop was a top-5 second baseman last year (184 ADP), and the potential for a bounce back is intriguing. Tim Anderson could go 20/20 again with 165 R+RBI (125 ADP) – damn the low batting average. Jean Segura and Jose Peraza make for nice speed options should you solidify power early – they are probably my top two MI options.

Seth: I like multi-positional guys like Profar. I also like Asdrubal Cabrera’s bat to play well in Texas. Depending on how the draft has gone, a big power guy like Schoop could be interesting too.

Jake: Paul DeJong’s season was derailed when an errant pitch fractured his left hand early on. Even After missing two months, DeJong still didn’t look right upon his return in July, not hitting a long-ball for nearly 3 weeks. A bounce back to his 2017 self should be in order which makes him an outstanding MI option.

Late round pick who could make an impact?

Jim: Asdrubal Cabrera qualifies at three positions, has hit .280 with 23 home runs in two of the past three seasons, and he now finds himself playing in one of the more favorable hitters parks in the league. With an ADP of 281, what’s not to love here. Also, Jorge Polanco was a popular pick coming into 2018; he makes for a nice sleeper (212 ADP).

Seth: It depends on what I feel I need. If I need speed, Wendle is interesting. Andrelton for his average. Dansby for his prospect pedigree if he ever recaptures it. Also minor league studs like Tatis or Rodgers.

Jake: Whenever someone has 20/20 potential they have fantasy value. Chris Taylor let a lot of fantasy managers down last year, but a late round flier on him this season could provide a real boost – especially with his eligibility at multiple positions.